Dachshunds

Overview

Dachshunds are just pure fun! Just ask Clint Eastwood, Audrey Hepburn, Jack Black, Andy Warhol, or Kirsten Dunst! With their different coat types and two different sizes, there's something for everyone! An average Standard Dachshund ranges between 16-32 lbs, while the miniature weighs in at 11 lbs and under. Many believe that these pups were first named in Germany for their ability to hunt badgers. 'Dasch' means badger while 'hund' means dog. Their long low profile comes in handy when hunting badgers but can be an issue if they like to jump off high objects. Bred to be very independent and energetic, Dachshunds excel in scent tracking, sports like Earthdog and competing in wiener dog races. Their coat colors range from solid to tricolor, to piebald (white splotches).

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for

Disc Disease:

is common in dog breeds that have a long backs such as Dachshunds and Corgis. The most serious of these is intervertebral disc disease, which causes the vertebrae to weaken and possibly protrude into the spinal canal.

Recommendations for Disc Disease in Dogs:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for

Ear Infections:

The Dachshund’s iconic floppy ears make them susceptible to ear infections. Their ears should be checked regularly to keep them clean and free of debris.

Recommendations for Ear Infections in Dogs:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for

Obesity:

With their short stature, a little extra weight gain can really impact your sweet Dachshund’s spinal health. To help your wiener dog with their weight control, provide a balanced diet, lots of playtime and limit their snack intake.

Recommendations for Obesity in Dogs:

Personality

Due to their high intelligence, Dachshunds need exercise! They may be tenacious, but they are trainable and would be happiest in a household with older children because they may snap at young children. Their three coat varieties all have different personalities. A smooth-coated wiener dog is the original hound and tends to be more independent-minded and behaves according to instinct. The longhaired variety tends to be more of a cozy lapdog, probably because Spaniel blood was introduced to develop their long coat. The wirehaired type is more terrier-like and could be nicknamed the clown of the Dachshund world. A Dachshund is a big dog in a small dog's body, so if you're looking for a protective low-slung dog who will never back down from a fight, get this dog!